"Loop Hole: Or How To Rob A Bank" by Robert Pollock (1930-2003)

Published: London: Hodder and Stoughton
Copyright: 1972.
ISBN: 0340162368

I've always been rather fascinated by stories dealing with crime. But not any old crime, I prefer ones that are well thought out, well plotted, and in which it is reasonably possible that the job could actually happen. Because of this things like murderers, etc. are of no interest to me, however heist fiction (which is actually a literary genre I found out) is very much in this category.

The story meets all my criteria, and is very entertaining as well. It involves the burglary of the City Savings Deposit Bank in London, which has a burglar proof vault, and a few million dollars inside it.

The team that is planning this caper is led by Mike, who has been in the business for many years and because of this his planning is meticulous. He knows that to rob this bank he needs professional assistance, so he hires himself an architect /engineer.

Robert Polak has crafted a wonderful story, that can be read numerous times and enjoyed. He got the idea for the novel, and I'm sure some of his material following some encounters he had with a paroled criminal who, he found out later was a rather famous British bank robber. It is interesting to note that this story influenced a group of real life criminals in Paris, France to attempt a robbery planned in the style. They came to be known as The Sewer Rats.

As it if you have read this blog in the past you will know that I have it very dim view of movies from Hollywood, as they rarely get it right. This movie however is an exception. The movie "Loophole" released in 1981, starring Albert Finney, and Martin Sheen was exceptional. It's true that the director John Quested changed a few things, but they were minor.

I would strongly recommend you read this book, and then watch the movie. It is not recommended however that you go and rob a bank, as the authorities do tend to frown on this. Then again, if you happen to do it, and get caught you have the opportunity of getting 3 square meals a day, free clothing, and a host of other amenities (some of which might not be so favourable).

"Our Kind of Traitor" by John Le Carré

Publisher:Toronto : Viking Canada, 2010.
ISBN: 9780670064786
General fiction L PBK
Characteristics: 305 pages ;,24 cm

A very interesting book, that gives a different twist to the spy novel. In this story a Russian mafioso who wishes to defect, and move his family to England. It explores the intrigue involved when the various spy agencies, and some well-meaning bystanders/helpless pawns are brought into the game.

The story follows a vacationing English couple in Antigua, who meet a Russian businessmen Dima  who initially seems only to want to play tennis. When the couple return to England after being entertained by Dima, meeting his family, etc. they are subjected to interrogation by the British Secret Service, who need their help.

For those readers who are familiar with Le Carré's works featuring George Smiley, this novel is comparable to how his other stories approach the whole spy business and the games the various agencies play for and against each other, which makes it seem very realistic.

I was somewhat disappointed in the very ending, as I would have liked to have read what happened to some of the other characters, but overall it was a very well written and enjoyable book to read.